Tiwa, Southern in United States

Introduction / History

The Southern Tiwa are a Pueblo people of the Kiowa–Tanoan language family, located primarily in New Mexico and Texas.

They inhabit Isleta Pueblo and Sandia Pueblo in New Mexico, and descendants also form the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo (Tigua) in El Paso, Texas. Archaeological and oral traditions

suggest their pueblo roots go back many centuries; Isleta Pueblo, for example, likely dates to around the 14th century. During the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, some Southern Tiwa were displaced.

A portion of them moved with Spanish colonists to the El Paso (then Ciudad Juárez) region and later established Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

The Southern Tiwa speak a Tanoan language. There are three main dialects: Isleta Tiwa

(Isleta Pueblo), Sandía Tiwa (Sandia Pueblo), and Ysleta del Sur (Tigua) Younger generations increasingly speak English (and Spanish), while traditional Tiwa use is declining. There are revitalization efforts. Since 2015, Southern Tiwa (Isleta variety) is being taught in Isleta Elementary School.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Pueblo of Isleta has a matrilineal kinship system. Descent is traced through the

mother, and children inherit status from her family/corn group. They maintain an

endogamous marriage system within their Pueblo.

There is a moiety system. One moiety is tied to winter practices, the other to summer practices. Traditionally, the Tiwa practiced agriculture (corn, beans, squash), pottery, and other Pueblo crafts (basketry, weaving). Their ancestral farming and architectural traditions persist. In modern times, tribal governments manage economic enterprises.

For example, Sandia Pueblo runs a casino and recreation center. Their cultural landscape remains deeply connected to ancestral land: landmarks, shrines, and natural features (like mountains) remain spiritually significant.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Southern Tiwa practice a syncretic faith that blends ancient Pueblo religion with

Roman Catholicism, a pattern common among Rio Grande Pueblos since the

Spanish colonial period. Traditional beliefs center on maintaining harmony with

nature, the land, and ancestral spirits through ceremonies performed in kivas (underground ceremonial chambers), seasonal dances, and offerings at sacred sites. At the same time, the majority of Southern Tiwa identify as Roman Catholic, regularly attending mass in historic mission churches such as San Agustín de la Isleta (founded 1613) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Ysleta del Sur, and participating in Catholic feast days that often coincide with traditional observances.

Tribal religious leadership is divided between traditional officers who oversee kiva ceremonies and Catholic lay organizations, creating a dual religious system that most community members navigate without perceived conflict.

What Are Their Needs?

The Southern Tiwa face ongoing challenges common to many Native American

communities, including higher-than-average rates of diabetes, heart disease, and

substance abuse, which strain limited tribal health resources. Youth in some communities

struggle with retaining fluency in the Southern Tiwa language as English dominates education and media, placing the language in a vulnerable position despite active revitalization efforts. Economic opportunities remain limited on reservation land, leading to

persistent poverty levels above national averages and reliance on federal programs and

gaming revenue. Access to quality higher education and job training that respect cultural obligations continues to be a pressing concern for younger generations seeking to remain close to home while pursuing professional careers.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Southern Tiwa families will experience the healing and wholeness found in Jesus Christ, particularly in areas of physical health and freedom from addiction.
Pray that tribal leaders will receive wisdom and unity as they guide their
communities through economic, health, and cultural challenges.
We call on the Holy Spirit to reveal the love of Christ in ways that resonate with traditional Pueblo values.
We agree in prayer that believers within the Pueblos will grow bold in faith and become effective witnesses among their own people and others.
We declare lasting partnerships between churches and the Southern Tiwa Pueblos that demonstrate genuine respect and mutual blessing.

Text Source:   Joshua Project